Letters to the editor - August 27, 2015

Thanks for a first, great SummerScience at HVRHS

Wow, what a great inaugural effort!  Huge thank you to Camp AHA, EXTRAS and Little Rascals for helping us bring the SummerScience program to Region One.  With your collaboration and support students from across our region could participate in an affordable, high quality enrichment program.  Every time I looked around the room, there were kids from all six elementary schools engaged in discovery, play and teamwork.  With the mentorship of teachers and HVRHS students, it was a wonderful experience for all involved.        

Very special thanks to Thomas and Suzanna Schindler for their stewardship, creativity and brilliant sense of fun.  Each session at the Mahoney-Hewat Center and Noble Horizons fostered an atmosphere of exploration, wonder and cheerfulness. 

Leticia Garcia-Tripp, Lynn Meehan, Kia Huggins and Riley Simmons: thank you for your keen leadership of 35 active youngsters in their enthusiastic exploration. You were always there encouraging, problem-solving, cajoling and smiling. 

To Caroline Kenny Burchfield, thank you for seeing the potential of our summer programming for the residents of Noble Horizons.  Your keen insight expanded our outreach to cover students from five to 102!

Transportation is always the biggest obstacle to doing something for all six Region One towns.  The sponsorship of the Sharon Community Foundation and Northwest Prevention Network made this project financially achievable.  Thank you for your belief in, and commitment to, the region and the SummerScience program.

The goal of the Mahoney-Hewat Center at HVRHS is to bring diverse and extraordinary hands-on learning experiences to Region One.  SummerScience was the first of many programs we hope to offer residents. Anyone with other programming ideas, or wishing to support the Center, please contact nmartin@hvrhs.org.

Again, our deepest gratitude to all who helped SummerScience launch so successfully! With greatest appreciation.

Nancy Hegy Martin

Director of the HVRHS Mahoney-Hewat Science and Technology Center

Falls Village

Rail Trail stop signs would be dangerous

Safety has always been a priority for the Harlem Valley Rail Trail Association and for Dutchess County, the creator of the trail. The recent accident on Sheffield Road which resulted in a grievous injury illustrates the need for trail users to use caution at road crossings. Signs telling bicyclists to stop and dismount at road crossings, road striping and other caution indicators need to be heeded in all instances.

 I have not read County Legislator Michael Kelsey’s (R-25) proposal, but believe it includes stop signs on roadways at Rail Trail crossings. I believe that on state highways this would be impractical and on rural roads this would be downright dangerous. Placing stop signs in new locations would likely cause accidents even as they attempt to protect Rail Trail users.

 It is incumbent on trail users to be responsible for their own safety at road crossings and dismounting a bicycle when crossing roads is the safest practice. Motor vehicle users must also do their part by being aware of Rail Trail crossings and slowing down when they see Rail Trail crossing signs. Together these precautions will make Rail Trail use as safe as possible.

Dick Hermans

Chairman

Harlem Valley Rail Trail Association

Pine Plains